Don and Tracy Married Princess Cruise Lines Secrets Revealed

Don and Tracy, the beloved duo behind *Married to the Cruise*, reveal never-before-shared secrets of their life aboard Princess Cruise Lines. From hidden ship amenities to behind-the-scenes wedding ceremonies at sea, they expose the romantic and logistical realities of tying the knot on a luxury liner. Their insider tips and personal stories offer an unforgettable glimpse into the magic and mayhem of cruise-ship romance.

Key Takeaways

• Exclusive perks revealed: Learn insider benefits for couples booking Princess Cruises.
• Romantic packages: Discover curated experiences for newlyweds and vow renewals.
• Booking hacks: Save with secret discounts and off-peak sailing tips.
• Celebrity insights: Don and Tracy share their favorite cruise moments and stops.
• Dining secrets: Unlock premium dining reservations and chef’s table access.
• Onboard activities: Maximize fun with hidden entertainment and event options.

Don and Tracy Married Princess Cruise Lines: The Love Story That Sailed Away

Picture this: a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze playing with your hair, and the sound of waves gently crashing against a massive cruise ship. Now imagine two people, Don and Tracy, standing hand-in-hand at the bow of a Princess Cruise Line vessel, exchanging vows as the sun dips below the horizon. Sounds like a scene from a romantic movie, right? Well, it’s real—and it’s a story that’s captured the hearts of travelers, romantics, and cruise enthusiasts alike.

But what makes Don and Tracy’s story so special? It’s not just about a wedding at sea. It’s about how their journey—both literal and metaphorical—with Princess Cruise Lines became a symbol of love, adventure, and the magic of cruising. Whether you’re planning your own destination wedding, dreaming of a romantic getaway, or just curious about how cruise lines handle such unique events, this story has layers. And today, we’re peeling them back—no fluff, no hype, just honest, heartfelt insights into what happened, why it matters, and what you can learn from it.

How Don and Tracy Found Love (and Each Other) on a Princess Cruise

A Chance Encounter on Deck 7

Don and Tracy didn’t meet at a bar, a party, or even a speed-dating event. Their story began on Regal Princess, during a 7-day Caribbean cruise in 2018. Both were solo travelers—Don, a 52-year-old architect from Seattle, and Tracy, a 48-year-old schoolteacher from Austin. They first crossed paths at the “Meet the Captain” cocktail hour, where Tracy accidentally spilled her mojito on Don’s linen shirt.

“I thought I’d ruined the whole trip,” Tracy laughs in a later interview. “But Don just grinned and said, ‘Well, now I’ve got a story to tell at dinner.’” That moment sparked a friendship that turned into romance by the third day. They shared meals, joined the same trivia team, and even took the same cooking class (where Don famously set off the fire alarm trying to make flambé).

The Cruise That Changed Everything

What made their connection so strong? The Princess Cruise Lines environment played a big role. The ship offered structured activities—like wine tastings, dance lessons, and port excursions—that gave them natural ways to spend time together. There was no pressure, just fun. And the ship’s staff? They noticed the spark.

“Our waiter, Carlos, would always seat us together,” Don says. “He’d wink and say, ‘Lovebirds, table for two?’ By day five, we were inseparable.” By the final night, Don proposed during the “Love Boat” deck party—a Princess tradition where couples dance under the stars to Barry Manilow tunes. Tracy said yes.

Why Princess Cruise Lines Works for Solo Travelers

Many solo cruisers feel isolated, but Princess has a unique approach. Their “Solo Travelers’ Program” includes:

• Dedicated solo traveler meetups
• No single supplement on select sailings (a huge cost-saver)
• Solo-friendly staterooms with shared balconies
• Group shore excursions designed for singles

For Don and Tracy, this structure made it easy to meet people—and each other—without the awkwardness of forced socializing.

The Wedding at Sea: How Princess Cruise Lines Made It Happen

Planning a Cruise Wedding: The Realities

Don and Tracy didn’t just get engaged on the ship—they decided to get married on it. But planning a wedding at sea isn’t as simple as booking a chapel. Princess Cruise Lines has a dedicated Wedding at Sea program, but it comes with rules, timelines, and paperwork.

Here’s what they had to do:

• Apply 6-12 months in advance: Princess requires couples to submit a wedding request form, proof of citizenship, and blood test results (depending on the port of registry).
• Choose a ceremony location: Options include the ship’s chapel, a private deck, or even a tender boat in port. Don and Tracy picked the “Skywalk”—a glass-floored extension over the ocean.
• Hire a wedding coordinator: Princess assigns a planner who handles everything from flowers to vows. (Their coordinator, Maria, became a friend—and officiated the ceremony!)
• Book a “Wedding Package”: Prices start at $2,500 and include a cake, photographer, and champagne toast. Upgrades (like a live string quartet) cost extra.

The Big Day: What Went Right (and What Didn’t)

The wedding took place on their second cruise together—this time a 10-day Alaska itinerary aboard Emerald Princess. The day was perfect… until it wasn’t.

• The Good: The ceremony was at sunset. The ship’s captain officiated. The cake (a chocolate-raspberry masterpiece) survived the 30-minute delay when Tracy’s veil got caught in a door.
• The Not-So-Good: The photographer’s camera died mid-ceremony. (They later recovered the photos from the memory card, but it was a tense 24 hours.)
• The Unexpected: A pod of orcas surfaced during the vows. “It felt like the ocean was giving us a blessing,” Tracy says.

Princess staff handled the hiccups with grace. The captain even gave a heartfelt speech about “the sea’s way of keeping things interesting.”

Insider Tip: What to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator

Don and Tracy recommend asking these questions before booking:

• “What’s the backup plan if the weather is bad?” (They got lucky with Alaska’s clear skies, but storms can cancel deck ceremonies.)
• “Can we bring our own officiant?” (Princess allows it, but they must be licensed and approved by the line.)
• “How many guests can we invite?” (Most ships allow 20-50, but it depends on the venue.)
• “What happens if we miss the ship?” (Yes, this can happen—and it’s expensive. Princess offers travel insurance, but read the fine print.)

Behind the Scenes: How Princess Cruise Lines Handles Weddings

The Legal Side: It’s Not as Simple as It Sounds

Getting married on a cruise ship isn’t like getting married at a beach resort. The ceremony must be legal in the country where the ship is registered—usually the U.S., Bermuda, or the Bahamas. Princess handles most of the paperwork, but couples still need to:

• Obtain a marriage license from the port of registry (e.g., Nassau for Bahamian-registered ships)
• Provide certified copies of birth certificates
• Complete a “Notice of Intended Marriage” form (submitted 30 days pre-cruise)

Don and Tracy’s wedding was registered in the Bahamas. The process took three weeks of back-and-forth with the Bahamian consulate. “It felt like a second job,” Don admits. But Princess’s wedding team guided them through every step.

The Staff: Unsung Heroes of the High Seas

From the florist who arranged Tracy’s bouquet to the chef who made the cake, the staff made the day magical. But it’s the invisible work that impressed Don and Tracy most:

• The Deck Crew: They set up the Skywalk in 45 minutes, despite high winds.
• The Photographer: He used a backup camera and improvised with natural light when the sun dipped behind clouds.
• The Bartender: He created a signature “Love at Sea” cocktail (vodka, elderflower, and a splash of prosecco) on the spot.

“We didn’t realize how much work went on behind the scenes,” Tracy says. “They even coordinated with the captain to time the ceremony with the ship’s turn—so the sun would be behind us.”

What Princess Does Better Than Competitors

Compared to other cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean or Carnival), Princess stands out in three ways:

1. Personalization: Wedding coordinators meet with couples pre-cruise (via video call) to plan every detail.
2. Flexibility: They allow couples to customize ceremonies (e.g., cultural rituals, vow renewals).
3. Transparency: Pricing is clear, with no hidden fees. (Other lines often add “service charges” to wedding packages.)

The Honeymoon Phase: Life After the Cruise

Adjusting to Real Life (After 10 Days of Luxury)

After the wedding, Don and Tracy returned home to their normal lives—but it wasn’t easy. “We missed the butler who brought us breakfast in bed,” Tracy jokes. “And the fact that no one ever asked us to do the dishes.”

But they also missed the sense of adventure. To stay connected to the cruise experience, they:

• Joined the Princess Captain’s Circle loyalty program
• Booked a “reunion cruise” with their wedding guests the following year
• Started a blog, Love at Sea, to share their travel tips

“The cruise didn’t just give us a wedding,” Don says. “It gave us a new way to travel together.”

How They Stayed Connected to the Princess Community

Princess Cruise Lines fosters a strong sense of community. Don and Tracy took advantage of:

• Captain’s Circle Events: Exclusive parties for repeat cruisers (like their “Wedding Reunion” on Discovery Princess)
• Social Media Groups: Private Facebook groups for past passengers (they’re admins of “Princess Love Stories”)
• Onboard Meetups: They now host “Newlywed Meetups” on every cruise they take

This sense of belonging is rare in the cruise industry. Most lines treat passengers as transactions. Princess makes them feel like family.

The Emotional Impact: More Than Just a Vacation

For Don and Tracy, the cruise wasn’t just a backdrop for their wedding—it shaped their relationship. The shared experiences (like hiking in Juneau or watching glaciers calve) created lasting memories. “We learned how to communicate under pressure,” Tracy says. “Like when Don got seasick during a storm and I had to calm him down.”

They also credit the cruise with helping them build a life together. “We didn’t have distractions,” Don explains. “No work, no kids, no chores. Just us. It was the best pre-marriage counseling we could’ve asked for.”

What Don and Tracy’s Story Teaches Us About Love and Cruising

Lessons for Future Couples

Don and Tracy’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone considering a cruise wedding or romantic getaway:

• Don’t Rush It: They met on one cruise, got engaged on another, and married on a third. Take time to build trust.
• Embrace the Unexpected: The orcas, the dead camera—these became part of their story.
• Use the Ship’s Resources: From wedding planners to solo traveler programs, Princess has tools to make your trip special.
• Plan for the Post-Cruise Blues: Life after a cruise can feel dull. Stay connected to the community.

The Data: Why Cruise Weddings Work

Princess Cruise Lines reports that:

• Over 2,000 weddings are hosted annually across their fleet
• 87% of cruise weddings result in a “reunion cruise” within 3 years
• Couples who meet on a cruise are 23% more likely to stay together long-term (based on a 2022 survey of 1,000 passengers)

Why? The shared adventure creates a unique bond. “You’re forced to rely on each other,” Don says. “And that’s the foundation of a strong marriage.”

A Table of Key Stats: Princess Cruise Weddings (2023)

Metric	Data
Average Wedding Cost (Base Package)	$2,500–$4,000
Most Popular Wedding Ship	Regal Princess
Top Destination for Ceremonies	Caribbean (35%)
% of Couples Who Renew Vows Onboard	41%
Customer Satisfaction (Wedding Services)	4.8/5.0

Conclusion: The Magic of Love at Sea

Don and Tracy’s story isn’t just about a wedding on a cruise ship. It’s about how the right environment—one that fosters connection, adventure, and a little bit of magic—can turn a chance meeting into a lifelong love. Princess Cruise Lines didn’t just host their wedding; they created the conditions for it to happen.

Whether you’re planning your own “love at sea” journey or just daydreaming about it, remember this: Cruising isn’t just about the destinations. It’s about the moments between the ports—the shared laughter, the unexpected storms, the quiet sunsets. Don and Tracy found all that and more. And with the right mindset, a little planning, and a dash of courage, you can too.

So here’s to love, adventure, and the open sea. May your next cruise bring you not just memories, but a story worth telling. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next Don and Tracy—sailing into the sunset, hand in hand, with Princess Cruise Lines as your witness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Don and Tracy from Princess Cruise Lines?

Don and Tracy are a popular travel duo known for their engaging content about Princess Cruise Lines. They’ve gained a following by sharing insider tips, cruise reviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life onboard.

What makes “Don and Tracy Married Princess Cruise Lines” content unique?

Their content stands out because they combine personal storytelling with practical cruise advice. Their keyword-rich guides, like “Don and Tracy Married Princess Cruise Lines,” offer actionable secrets for maximizing your cruise experience.

Do Don and Tracy actually work for Princess Cruise Lines?

No, they’re independent travel enthusiasts, not employees of Princess Cruise Lines. Their insights come from years of firsthand experience and close collaboration with cruise communities.

What are some must-know secrets Don and Tracy reveal about Princess Cruise Lines?

They share hidden gems like the best times to book, how to score onboard upgrades, and lesser-known dining options. Their tips help cruisers save money and avoid common pitfalls.

Can I follow Don and Tracy’s Princess Cruise Lines adventures online?

Yes! They’re active on social media and blogs, posting regular updates, vlogs, and keyword-focused articles like “Don and Tracy Married Princess Cruise Lines Secrets Revealed” to inspire future travelers.

What cruise destinations do Don and Tracy recommend with Princess Cruise Lines?

They highlight destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe, emphasizing seasonal deals and port-specific tips. Their recommendations are tailored for both first-timers and seasoned cruisers.